which digital zoom?

OK - some advice before I spend yet more money

I plan to buy a 'general purpose' digital zoom for my *IST DS. I already have quite a collection of 35mm glass from 19-400 - fine if I have my backpack but not if I just want to cary the camera and one general purpose lens (my Cosina 19-35 ain't bad for the money but is too short for general purpose use even with a 1.5x magnification)

I've narrowed down to three

(i) the DA 18-55
This is attractive as it is nice and compact (and quite cheap) and has a 52mm filter thread so I don't need any new filters. But what is it like for construction and image quality?

(ii) the Sigma 18-125
very attractive for its telephoto reach but again what is the quality like?

(iii) the DA 16-45
Attractive for its wider angle but rather more bulky than even the Sigma (though about the same weight), rather limited 'long' end at 45mm, and a bit pricey - though I am aware of its good reputation for quality.

The DA 18-55mm comes in for some criticism, but I've found my particular example to be well up to producing nice crisp A3 prints. It is compact and appears to be well made.

The 16-45mm does seem attractive, but at a higher cost in terms of price and bulk. It has a superb reputation.

I'm looking forward to seeing the new DA 12-24mm, which will help satisfy us wide angle photographers.

The DA 40mm is also very attractive, but although it would make a nice portrait lens it has limited use relatively speaking.

I've never been a fan of independent lenses, and always recommend sticking to Pentax!

Whatever the merits of the lenses you mention, they are all short.

I have the 28-105 power zoom and the 24-90.

Both are excellent, and which to choose depends on:

1 Cash (the 24-90 is a lot more expensive)

2 Whether you want to go wider or longer.

Regards

George

Thanks - I have the latest 28-105 which is a fine sharp compact lens but I want something considerably wider. The 24-90 is still only equivalent to about 37mm at the wide end.

I've generally had good experience with third party glass in 35mm format though the only one I've used to any extent with the DS is the Cosina 19-35. Mostly I tend to carry the 28-105 and pocket my M 20/4 for wide angle shots which is not a bad compromise. I'm thinking that the 18-55 might be the best choice - paired with either the 28-105 for that extra reach or the (Sigma) 70-300 if I am after wildlife.

The Cosina isn't bad and certainly was fine for A4 from 35mm but for any serious landcape photography it suffers from a rotating fron element which makes using polarisers and ND grads awkward. Had a Tamron 24-135 for a while - nice sharp versatile lens but heavy and bulky - not a very good balance on my MZ6. I bought the 28-105 to replace it (Ffordes were selling them at the knock down price of £130 new). My 'perfect' digital lens would be 16-80 or thereabouts.

PS

As I have the M 40/2.8 and the F 50/1.4 the DA 40 2.8 is not a temptation at all - but the 12-24 DA... but then again there is the issue of my bank account!!

Having had the *ist-D for well over a year now, I've gradually replaced all my third party glass (which I thought was great at the time) for Pentax - which is consistently amazing I consistently try to push the resolution and quality to the limit, and usually work in RAW with Capture One and Photoshop CS.

Here's my zoom list:
SMC-DA 16-45 - super, super sharp. Very contrasty, superb flare control. Add some Cokin P filters (I use polariser and ND grad) and you've got an amazing lens. I have never, ever, been disappointed with this lens.

SMC-FA 24-90 - yes, not as wide, but has a delicious image quality. I find I use this for general photography, theatre and concert work. Expensive, and not as sharp as the 16-45, but worth the money nonetheless.

SMC-F 70-210 - got this for a snip off eBay. Super contrasty and very high resolution. Just wish it had a non-rotating lens.

Next on my list has to be the SMC-DA 12-24 for seriously wide work

Hope that helps!
Matt

Decided to get the 16-45 DA in the end - £300 from Park Cameras. The main reasons for this were reputation and the wide angle capability. I decided that these were worth the extra money despite the extra bulk.

Off to the Lakes next week so it will get a good testing!!

Tony,
I'm sure you won't be disappointed
Let us know how you get on!
Matt